When alone, she extracts a packet of salted crackers from her purse. She strips away the cellophane and puts it on a foyer table. With the three crackers on the palm of her hand, arm extended in offering, she tours every room downstairs and then on the upper floor. Spirits, if any, that have entered the house during her two-week absence will now understand that she means them no harm; they will, in turn, not disturb her.
